Nairobi will host the first national women's dialogue on November 25-26, The Standard reported. Organisers describe the convention as a political and socio-economic turning point before the 2027 General Election. Its theme is "Women's Voice, Safety and Power in Kenya's Future". The forum opens on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Grace Munjuri, one of the organisers, said the forum will treat women not only as voters but as anchors of national cohesion and economic stability. The event is being organised for the National Women Dialogue, a grassroots mobilisation lobby, and Women in PR. Women in PR is the women's wing of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK). Delegates will include grassroots entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, faith leaders and caregivers.
According to The Standard, political tensions are expected to rise as the 2027 polls approach. The dialogue marks the first step towards a peace-mobilisation strategy for the period during and after the elections. The paper noted that electoral conflicts in Kenya have historically hit women and children hardest. It also cited UN Women, which says physical, psychological and online gender-based violence rises sharply during election cycles worldwide. Munjuri said women can encourage peaceful participation and reject intimidation and incitement. She added that they can help neighbours stay connected across political differences.
Kenya's struggle to implement the constitutional two-thirds gender principle will be a key topic at the plenary sessions. Article 27(8) of the Constitution requires that no more than two-thirds of members of elective or appointive bodies be of the same gender. Implementation in Parliament has repeatedly stalled. Munjuri said the dialogue aims to remove systemic barriers. It also seeks to build mentorship pathways so young women can enter politics safely.
The forum will also look at the economic barriers women face, including market access, land ownership and digital inclusion. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics says women do most agricultural labour in rural areas, The Standard reported. Yet they individually hold less than 10% of land title deeds. This limits their access to formal credit. Organisers plan to connect agribusiness entrepreneurs and small-business owners with buyers, financial institutions and policymakers. Caregivers and children with disabilities, especially those with hearing impairments, will also be on the agenda.
Organisers say they want to avoid the shortcomings of past conventions that ended without follow-up. Participating organisations will sign a Commitments Register that names responsible parties and sets implementation deadlines. Delegates will also work in regional cluster labs to design community forums. A progress update is due within 90 days. It will show whether community peace and economic roadmaps have been launched.